Wild. Reckless. Stubborn. That's Luke Malloy in a nutshell. The solitary life of a rancher and the untamed Montana wilderness make him feel alive-and nothing will ever change that. Not even being thrown from his horse and forced to accept a stranger's help. The fact that this stranger is a beautiful blonde with a passion for ranching that rivals his own doesn't hurt. But there's a secret she's hiding, and Luke won't rest until he uncovers it...

Ingrid Larsen doesn't need anyone's help. Not with managing her family's ranch. Not with raising her little sister. And certainly not with the mysterious incidents occurring on her property. When this too-sexy-for-his-own-good cowboy needs a place to recover, she hopes he'll be in and out in no time flat. But just as she's beginning to trust Luke's promise of protection, Ingrid's secret threatens to tear them apart.

I have yet to meet a Malloy, I didn't like. Rugged, loyal, with a mile long wild streak and a big heart to match Luke is less of a loner and more of a nurturer. When he cares, he does it completely and that is both a strength and a weakness. His soft heart lands him some tough situations that build character but can also prove dangerous. Ingrid is his equal in every way except one. She works hard, cares deeply, but doesn't trust easily. How could these two strangers know that a simple act of kindness, would lead them down a path of danger, treachery, and love. There is never a dull moment with the Malloys. Adventure, suspense and romance are always on the agenda when you love a Malloy.

Luke lifted a hand to the corn silk strands dancing around her cheeks.

At once her smile fled and she jerked back. “Don’t. I told you before. I’m not Nadine.”

His eyes narrowed on her. “For the record, there’s no way I’d ever confuse you with your mother.”

“Then don’t try playing those games with me.”

“What games are we talking about?”

“You know exactly what I mean. All those sexy moves.”

“Really? Sexy?” He was grinning as he reached a hand to her hair. “Like this?”

Her chin came up. “If you want lots of hair, reach for Nadine’s.”

“Is that why you chopped yours off?” He allowed a silken strand to sift through his fingers. “To prove a point?”

“Well, aren’t you the brilliant observer. For the record, there are a lot of things Nadine does that I refuse to do. I don’t bother with makeup. And—”

“—and you try to hide your gorgeous body under this bulky shirt.” He fingered the rough collar. His smile was quick and charming. “I’ll let you in on a secret. It’s not working.”

She slapped his hand away. “Stop trying to be clever. I know what I am. I’m a rancher who’s struggling to stay on the land I love. A big sister working overtime to raise Lily to be the best she can.”

“You forgot the most important thing. You’re a woman.” His voice lowered to a near growl. “Maybe you’d like to forget that, but it’s impossible for me to overlook the fact that you’re not just a woman, but a gorgeous, amazing, very independent woman.”

She actually gasped as he leaned close.

“Just so you know, I’m going to kiss you, Ingrid.” His arms came around her and he gathered her close.

He’d known her lips would be soft and inviting. Had known it from the first time he’d looked at them. But he wasn’t prepared for the taste of her. Sweet, yet tart. So strong, and yet he could feel the way her breath hitched, alerting him to her unease.

All woman, and yet fighting it. She kept her hands at her sides, refusing to give him any encouragement.

“I won’t do anything you don’t want me to do. So don’t be afraid.” He spoke the words inside her mouth.

“I’m not—”

“Just for a moment, Ingrid, let yourself enjoy something.”

She responded with a soft purr in the back of her throat. For the space of a heartbeat he could feel her relax in his arms as she gave herself up to the moment.

A burst of heat shot through Luke’s veins. His heartbeat was thundering, keeping time with hers. He changed the angle of the kiss and took it deeper, until he could actually feel the fire.

The ground tilted beneath his feet, and he knew he was losing control. He hadn’t meant to take it this far. None of this had been planned. He’d merely wanted to kiss her and tease her a little. But now, too late, he realized that one taste of these lips would never be enough.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times bestselling author R.C. Ryan has written more than ninety novels, both contemporary and historical. Quite an accomplishment for someone who, after her fifth child started school, gave herself the gift of an hour a day to follow her dream to become a writer.

In a career spanning more than twenty years, Ms. Ryan has given dozens of radio, television, and print interviews across the country and Canada, and has been quoted in such diverse publications as the Wall Street Journal and Cosmopolitan. She has also appeared on CNN News, and Good Morning America.

R.C. Ryan is a pseudonym of New York Times bestselling author Ruth Ryan Langan.